Recently, A School Reporter wrote to me and asked me to answer some interview questions. I thought I would post the questions and answers, thinking you might find it somewhat interesting if you enjoy our music.
Q:Is music an important part of your life? Why? Why not?
A:It's a very important part of my life. I write it, arrange and play it....it's a way for me to express myself. Also, I am a big fan of music of many kinds. It makes the world a richer place.
Q:What types of music do you enjoy listening to?
A:I like all types. I am into positive music with a positive message. Whether it soothes a broken heart, is just fun, or touches on positive changes and wishes for the world. The only kinds of music I'm not into a re negative and hateful music of anytype. Protest music doesn't have to be hateful, anyway. Music asking aquestions and questioning authority can be for positive change.
Q:What is your least favorite type of music? Why?
A:I think I just answered that. Though, I've never really enjoyed a lot of jazz...the more "outthere" kind. Swing, I dig. Also, I only enjoy a bit of classical and opera. I guess I'm a country, rock, and folky kind of guy...who enjoys what he knows. Perhaps with more exposure, I would like more genres. I also only like a bit of hiphop and rap. Most of it leaves me cold.
Q:
What types of music/culture would you like to learn more about?
A:
I think I just answered that, too.
Q:What made you want to sing country music?
A:It's where my heart is, I guess. But, I don't think of it as country, honestly. It's a label put on it by the business. I think it's "honest music". I write and sing honest music from my heart.My heroes are not only Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings, Elvis, Hank Williams....but also rockers like Chuck berry, The Beatles, Stones, and Folkies like Bob Dylan.I like to sing music because I get to tell my stories to the world, and connect with people who may feel the same things.
Q:What is a show like for you?
A:A show is like an amusement park ride, I think. I just have so, so many emotions during a show. I am acting out so many roles, each actor, each feeling in each song, and going from rockin rollercoaster stuff to slow heartbreaking ballads.............and I feel each and every one, as does my band! We are all along for the ride! It takes me and my band hours and sometimes a whole day to "come down" after a great show where we really put it out there!
Q:What makes a show good or bad for you?
A:The audience. They really give us so, so much energy!When we first come on to the stage, of course, it's the energy most times that just our band and our love for music generates! Sometimes, like when we first started, we hardly had any audience at all, and the music, and all that it meant to us....pulled us through those times. People who say nasty stuff, or are kind of loud in an audience don't change our mood at all. So, they don't make a bad show. I guess, the only way I'd really have a bad show, is if it was way, way way too short, or something! Because if we get to sing and play, it's a good show! One time last summer, we were supposed to play for an hour, and through some mixup, only got to do our first half of our set, so we didn't get to alot of our best stuff. i guess that wasn't a great show for me....but, later on, as I was meeting the crowd, they told me they really enjoyed it, and it was a good show for them...so.....if it was good for them.........I did my job, right?If we have a crowd into it.........it's an awesome show!!
Q:What is a rehearsal like? What do you go over?
A:We rehearse anything we feel we could get tighter with. After a show, we get together at rehearsal the following week and talk about the last show, and try to go over anything that needs improving. Also, i am always writing new songs to begin to work out with the band. I am also careful to listen to all the guys in the band, and what they would like to work on, and what they like and don't like. They also bring in new songs we might like to try, or new arrangements. We try to be a band.with equal say.
Q:What do you feel like up on the stage?
A:It's just such an amazing rush. I feel the band lift me up and pull me through...and the crowd is into it...........and I just give everything inside me to the show. I get exhausted after a show. I try to give everything I've got.
Q:How long have you been singing?
A:All my life.
Q:Where do you sing at?
A:My band plays locally here in Connecticut at a restaurant called MARGARITAS every saturday night. We also sing at festivals and all around Connecticut. I have travelled a lot to Nashville, and have worked there as a singer and songwriter too. We work as much as we can. We have to work around my schedule as an artist, and our bandmemebers ' schedules too.
Q:How many members are in the band?
A"We have 6 right now, plus me. Chris Sheehan on acoustic guitar and background vocals, Coyote on Lead Electric and Slide Guitar and background vocals, Dan Anthony on Electric guitar, Lead and Rhythm, Bob Oxenhorn on Bass Guitar and background vocals,Dennis Leal on drums, "Git Away" Jimmie on Harmonicas, and Me on acoustic guitar and lead vocals.
Labels: concerts, connecticut, country music, festivals, guy gilchrist, interview, johnny cash
posted by Guy Gilchrist @ 5:04 AM
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